Journalist's Notes: Why is the Beijing Xiangshan Forum Frequently Mentioned at the "Xianghui"?

[Global Times Comprehensive Report] The "Shangri-La Dialogue," which began in 2002, is celebrating its 23rd edition this year (having been paused for two editions during the pandemic). As the largest and highest-level multilateral security dialogue platform in the Asia-Pacific region, even seasoned reporters who frequently attend the event are still struck by the scene upon entering the hotel lobby.

Military personnel in various uniforms are bustling about, and it’s possible to inadvertently brush shoulders with heads of state or defense ministers from different countries. The lobby entrance is filled with media outlets' camera positions, and it’s likely that someone might "flash" into a television broadcast from a certain country without even realizing it. Languages such as English, Chinese, Korean, and German are bouncing around, and while searching for or waiting for interview subjects in the hall, one often hears "China" and a specific Chinese name, coming from conversations on-site, reporters' broadcasts, or guests being interviewed by other media. Being in such a conference with a strong Western flavor is a direct reflection of China's growing influence.

During this year's "Shangri-La Dialogue," reporters frequently heard participants mention the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, whether from foreign media or experts and scholars, related topics were often discussed.

Regarding the changes in the Chinese delegation that have been hotly debated in the past two years, opinions vary, but ultimately everyone mentions the Beijing Xiangshan Forum. With the existence of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, the importance and necessity of China's voice at the "Shangri-La Dialogue" have relatively decreased. Undoubtedly, this reflects the rising international recognition and influence of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum.

From the perspective of experts and scholars, the differences between the two are very clear: whether in agenda setting or in the dominance of discourse, the "Shangri-La Dialogue" has a strong Western flavor; in contrast, the Beijing Xiangshan Forum provides a platform for equal communication among countries, including smaller nations, with one of its highlights being the invitation for countries in opposition to engage in dialogue on the same stage, which is difficult to achieve at the "Shangri-La Dialogue."

Having reported on the "Shangri-La Dialogue" and the Beijing Xiangshan Forum for many years, reporters can clearly feel the differences between the two in the details. There is no doubt that both events are equipped with simultaneous interpretation headsets, but at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, journalists from various countries can enter the main venue to listen to guests speaking in their native languages. In contrast, at the "Shangri-La Dialogue," only a few "privileged" reporters are allowed into the main venue. When watching the live broadcast of the Chinese representative's speech from outside the venue, reporters often encounter situations where the audio switches from Chinese to English midway. The question always arises at that moment: has this seemingly high-level event truly achieved fairness and equality? (Guo Yuandan)